scholarly journals Prospects for the peat using as the basis of the soil-like substrate in mini-ecosystems modelling

2021 ◽  
Vol 928 (1) ◽  
pp. 012013
Author(s):  
N N Tereshchenko ◽  
T I Zyubanova ◽  
A V Kravets ◽  
E E Akimova ◽  
O M Minaeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arable Land ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Reduction Zone ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Plant Cultivation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Productive Process ◽  
Agricultural Areas ◽  
Industrial Zones

Abstract Global urbanization is causing a constant decline in arable land as cities and associated industrial zones are “attacking” adjacent agricultural areas. One of the promising ways to solve the problem of increasing food production for the constantly growing population of the planet against the background of rapidly decreasing land resources is the development of fundamentally new alternative methods for the production of crop products, including in greenhouses. The fundamental basis for technological optimization of plant cultivation parameters and the output of the productive process of a particular crop to the maximum of its genetic capacities can be the development of artificial mini-ecosystems based on the reproduction of nature-like processes, implying the balance and combination in one volume of the processes of plant production and reduction of organic waste, initiated directly in the zone of the rhizosphere of plants due to the introduction of technological earthworms into the reduction zone. According to the results of model studies presented in this article, peat is an acceptable basis for the substrate of the root block of a mini-ecosystem, and the introduction of earthworms Eisenia fetida Sav. into the reduction zone does not have a negative effect on lettuce plants, provided that it is used as an energy substrate for cattle manure worms in quantities not exceeding 10 - 20% of the total volume of the substrate.

Productivity Growth, Structural Change and Informality: The Case of Russia

2015 ◽  
pp. 30-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Voskoboynikov ◽  
V. Gimpelson
Keyword(s):  
Structural Change ◽  
Productivity Growth ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Industry Effects ◽  
Labour Productivity Growth ◽  
Russian Economy ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Total Labour

This study considers the influence of structural change on aggregate labour productivity growth of the Russian economy. The term "structural change" refers to labour reallocation both between industries and between formal and informal segments within an industry. Using Russia KLEMS and official Rosstat data we decompose aggregate labour productivity growth into intra-industry (within) and between industry effects with four alternative methods of the shift-share analysis. All methods provide consistent results and demonstrate that total labour reallocation has been growth enhancing though the informality expansion has had a negative effect. As our study suggests, it is caused by growing variation in productivity levels across industries.

Profitability of dairy farming in relation to the type of feeding system

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Frelich ◽  
Martin Šlachta ◽  
František Střeleček ◽  
Jana Lososová
Keyword(s):  
Arable Land ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Dairy Farming ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Feeding System ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Profit Rate ◽  
Permanent Housing ◽  
Cow Performance

Profitability of dairy farming in relation to the type of feeding systemWe investigated the profitability of dairy farms in relation to the type of feeding system (seasonal pasture vs. permanent housing). An economic analysis was carried out of data on the structure and financial health of 50 farms in 2007 using questionnaires filled in by the farmers. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to reveal causal relationships between a number of characteristics of the farms. The two axis of PCA explained 40.48% and 16.13% of the variability among the selected farm characteristics. Profitability related more to the number of subsidies, the area of arable land, the number of livestock and to the milk and plant production than to the area of meadows and pastures. Although a better cow performance was achieved on farms with confined herds, the profit per agricultural area and profit rate did not differ significantly between the two feeding strategies (P>0.05). The profit was 3,259 and 3,655 CZK/ha on average and the profit rate 7.9% and 5.6% on average on farms with pastured herds and on farms with confined herds, respectively. A lowering of input costs and a more effective utilisation of grasslands may further enhance profitability.

THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE FROM AREAS WITH ESPECIALLY UNFAVORABLE NATURAL CONDITIONS IN POLAND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL

2021 ◽  
Vol XXIII (3) ◽  
pp. 156-168
Author(s):  
Marek Zieliński ◽  
Jolanta Sobierajewska
Keyword(s):  
Arable Land ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Plant Cultivation ◽  
Production Type ◽  
Production Area ◽  
Organization Of Production ◽  
Capital Value

The aim of the study is to characterize agriculture in areas (communes) with particularly unfavorable natural conditions for farming, as well as to assess the production potential, organization of production and economic situation of farms from such areas in Poland. The first part of the study describes the characteristics of agriculture in communes with particularly unfavorable natural conditions. For this purpose, data from the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy, on the average value of the index of Valorization of Agricultural Production Area (VAPA) in communes in Poland, was used. Communes with particularly unfavorable natural conditions were those with an average VAPA index below 52 points out of 120 possible points. The organizational and economic assessment of farms according to production types was also carried out: field crops, grazing animals, and farms with mixed plant-animal production in communes with an average VAPA index lower than 52 points against a background of similar farms from other communes that have continuously kept accounting for Polish FADN in 2017-2019. It was found that communes with unfavorable natural conditions, compared to other communes, were distinguished by a smaller average utilized agricultural area (UAA) on farms, a smaller share of arable land and a greater permanent grassland in UAA, as well as e.g., a lower share of wheat and rape in total and higher total rye in the crop structure. They had, however, a greater share of land used ecologically in total UAA. They also had a higher density of livestock per 1 ha of UAA. In turn, farms from these areas – regardless of the analyzed production type, as compared to other farms, were characterized by a smaller UAA, incurred lower labor input per farm, and had a lower capital value. They also had significantly lower land and labor productivity as well as income per 1 FWU.

scholarly journals Reduction of Herbicidal Toxicoses on Plants Using Berkana and Izabion Organomineral Fertilizers

2021 ◽  
Vol 901 (1) ◽  
pp. 012071
Author(s):  
V N Demidova ◽  
T I Smetanina ◽  
M A Kuznetsova
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Crop Rotation ◽  
Biologically Active Compounds ◽  
Seedling Stage ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Plant Cultivation ◽  
Negative Aftereffect ◽  
Negative Effect

Abstract Today herbicidal treatments become an obligatory component of agrotechnical activities required for plant cultivation. At the same time, being biologically active compounds, herbicides may negatively influence on plants during crop rotation. In this study the experimental data confirmed the negative effect of a metribuzin-based herbicide applied on potato towards the next crops (cucumber and lentil). Treatment of these crops with amino acid-based bioorganic fertilizers (Berkana and Izabion) in a seedling stage reduced the manifestations of the negative aftereffect of the herbicidal stress on the tested plants.

scholarly journals La utilización de la cámara oculta en el periodismo de investigación : ¿El fin justifica los medios?

2012 ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Magdaleno Alegría
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Freedom Of Information ◽  
Constitutional Court ◽  
Investigative Journalism ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Right To Privacy ◽  
The Press ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Right

Los métodos que utilizan algunos periodistas para recabar información generan importantes conflictos. En nuestro país, las técnicas de investigación periodísticas han cobrado interés como consecuencia de que la STC 12/2012 ha determinado la prohibición constitucional del uso de la cámara oculta. Se trata de una decisión polémica, pues algunos profesionales de la información consideran que dicho pronunciamiento supone el fin del periodismo de investigación, con los consecuentes efectos negativos para el funcionamiento del sistema democrático. Si bien se considera que en los casos estudiados por el TC hasta el presente momento deben prevalecer los derechos a la intimidad y a la propia imagen sobre la libertad de información, no se comparte su prohibición total, pues pueden existir casos límite que, como consecuencia de la imposibilidad de utilizar otros métodos alternativos para obtener la información y de la gran relevancia pública de lo informado, podrían justificar la utilización de la cámara oculta. De no admitir esta posibilidad, se impediría a la prensa ejercer su papel de «perro guardián público» y, por ende, no serían de conocimiento público muchas cuestiones esenciales para el autogobierno de los ciudadanos.The methods used by some journalists to get information generate important conflicts. Journalistic investigation techniques have gathered interest in our country due to the constitutional prohibition of the use of hidden camera in the STC 12/2012. It is a polemic decision, as some professionals of information consider it implies the end of investigative journalism and therefore a negative effect on democratic system’s running. Up to now, in the cases studied at the Constitutional Court, it has been considered that the right to privacy and one’s own image should prevail over the freedom of information. Even so, the complete prohibition of the hidden camera is not shared as there may be extreme cases in which its use could be justified both due to the impossibility of using other alternative methods as well as to the public relevance of the information. If that possibility was not to be admitted, the press could not practice its role as «public watchdog» and therefore essential matters for the self-government of citizens may not be public.

scholarly journals INCA Modelling of the Lee System: strategies for the reduction of nitrogen loads

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 467-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. J. Flynn ◽  
T. Paddison ◽  
P. G. Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Buffer Strips ◽  
Nitrogen Loads ◽  
Nitrate Concentrations ◽  
Nitrogen Concentrations ◽  
River Thames ◽  
Agricultural Areas

Abstract. The Integrated Nitrogen Catchment model (INCA) was applied successfully to simulate nitrogen concentrations in the River Lee, a northern tributary of the River Thames for 1995-1999. Leaching from urban and agricultural areas was found to control nitrogen dynamics in reaches unaffected by effluent discharges and abstractions; the occurrence of minimal flows resulted in an upward trend in nitrate concentration. Sewage treatment works (STW) discharging into the River Lee raised nitrate concentrations substantially, a problem which was compounded by abstractions in the Lower Lee. The average concentration of nitrate (NO3) for the simulation period 1995-96 was 7.87 mg N l-1. Ammonium (NH4) concentrations were simulated less successfully. However, concentrations of ammonium rarely rose to levels which would be of environmental concern. Scenarios were run through INCA to assess strategies for the reduction of nitrate concentrations in the catchment. The conversion of arable land to ungrazed vegetation or to woodland would reduce nitrate concentrations substantially, whilst inclusion of riparian buffer strips would be unsuccessful in reducing nitrate loading. A 50% reduction in nitrate loading from Luton STW would result in a fall of up to 5 mg N l-1 in the reach directly affected (concentrations fell from maxima of 13 to 8 mg N l-1 , nearly a 40 % reduction), whilst a 20% reduction in abstractions would reduce maximum peaks in concentration in the lower Lee by up to 4 mg l-1 (from 17 to 13 mg N l-1, nearly a 25 % reduction),. Keywords: modelling, water quality, nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, INCA, River Lee, River Thames, land-use.

scholarly journals Increasing Sustainability of Growing Media Constituents and Stand-Alone Substrates in Soilless Culture Systems

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazim Gruda
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Soilless Culture ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Culture Systems ◽  
Closed Loop Systems

Decreasing arable land, rising urbanization, water scarcity, and climate change exert pressure on agricultural producers. Moving from soil to soilless culture systems can improve water use efficiency, especially in closed-loop systems with a recirculating water/nutrient solution that recaptures the drain water for reuse. However, the question of alternative materials to peat and rockwool, as horticultural substrates, has become increasingly important, due to the despoiling of ecologically important peat bog areas and a pervasive waste problem. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive critical review of current developments in soilless culture, growing media, and future options of using different materials other than peat and rockwool. Apart from growing media properties and their performance from the point of view of plant production, economic and environmental factors are also important. Climate change, CO2 emissions, and other ecological issues will determine and drive the development of soilless culture systems and the choice of growing media in the near future. Bioresources, e.g., treated and untreated waste, as well as renewable raw materials, have great potential to be used as growing media constituents and stand-alone substrates. A waste management strategy aimed at reducing, reusing, and recycling should be further and stronger applied in soilless culture systems. We concluded that the growing media of the future must be available, affordable, and sustainable and meet both quality and environmental requirements from growers and society, respectively.

scholarly journals Economic development in Slovak agriculture

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Chrastinová ◽  
V. Burianová
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
The Other ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Legal Forms ◽  
Production Output ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Input Prices ◽  
The Eu

The article discusses economic development of Slovak agriculture in the period after the accession of Slovakia to the EU and after adopting the CAP. It evaluates agriculture as a whole and its contribution to the national economy, as well as the economic performance of the individual legal forms of business and production sectors. The results achieved by agriculture in 2004–2007 suggest that the income within the sector (except of 2005) has improved also due to the inflow of the EU subsidies. On the other hand, despite the growing aid the production output is shrinking, wages stagnate and the employment is falling. This suggests that the CAP should be changed after 2013, especially as regards the ways of subsidy payments. Economics of the individual products are largely affected by input prices, realisation prices, as well as by the volume of direct subsidies, namely in the plant production – the subsidies for crops grown on arable land, and in animal production – the subsidies per 1 Big Cattle Unit.

scholarly journals GLOBALIZING DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT PROBLEM: THE VULNERABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (50) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
International System ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Source Information ◽  
Agricultural Lands ◽  
Agricultural Areas ◽  
Food Vulnerability

This study focuses globally on the effects of desertification and drought on agricultural lands. Desertification, which shows more its effects from region to region all over the world and particularly on certain continents, contains factors that will disturb the human future. One of these negative factors is the risk of creating food vulnerability by directly damaging agricultural areas. The risk of desertification reducing the quality of human life and threatening other living plants and habitats is a very important issue that should be highlighted by the international system. In this context, the study draws attention to the negative impact of global desertification, as well as the reduction of agricultural and arable land and the risks of declining crop yields. Among other problems caused by desertification, the study emphasizes socio-economic instability due to migration and climate-related conflicts, world hunger and lack of grain and food. In the study, the literature on global desertification, drought and arable agricultural land was searched and selected source information from the literature is included in the study. In addition, the study was supported by maps, graphs, and tables, as well as desertification researches and analyzes. Due to the limitation of the pages, other factors, such as global warming triggering desertification, have not been addressed, and environmental issues, which are directly damaged by desertification other than arable agricultural areas, are excluded from the field of this study. Keywords: Desertification, drought, arable agriculture, food insecurity, hunger, vulnerability

scholarly journals Hydraulic Shortcuts Increase the Connectivity of Arable Land Areas to Surface Waters

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Urs Schönenberger ◽  
Christian Stamm
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
National Level ◽  
Aerial Images ◽  
Major Pathway ◽  
Pesticide Transport ◽  
Storm Drainage ◽  
Agricultural Areas

Abstract. Surface runoff represents a major pathway for pesticide transport from agricultural areas to surface waters. The influence of man-made structures (e.g. roads, hedges, ditches) on surface runoff connectivity has been shown in various studies. In Switzerland, so-called hydraulic shortcuts (e.g. inlets and maintenance manholes of road or field storm drainage systems) have been shown to influence surface runoff connectivity and related pesticide transport. Their occurrence, and their influence on surface runoff and pesticide connectivity have however not been studied systematically. To address that deficit, we randomly selected 20 study areas (average size = 3.5 km2) throughout the Swiss plateau, representing arable cropping systems. We assessed shortcut occurrence in these study areas using three mapping methods: field mapping, drainage plans, and high-resolution aerial images. Surface runoff connectivity in the study areas was analysed using a 2 × 2 m digital elevation model and a multiple-flow algorithm. Parameter uncertainty affecting this analysis was addressed by a Monte Carlo simulation. With our approach, agricultural areas were divided into areas that are either directly connected to surface waters, indirectly (i.e. via hydraulic shortcuts), or not connected at all. Finally, the results of this connectivity analysis were scaled up to the national level using a regression model based on topographic descriptors. Inlets of the road storm drainage system were identified as the main shortcuts. On average, we found 0.84 inlets and a total of 2.0 manholes per hectare of agricultural land. In the study catchments between 43 and 74 % of the agricultural area is connected to surface waters via hydraulic shortcuts. On the national level, this fraction is similar (54 %). These numbers suggest that transport through hydraulic shortcuts is an important pesticide flow path in a landscape where many engineered structures exist to drain excess water from fields and roads. However, this transport process is currently not considered in Swiss pesticide legislation and authorisation. Therefore, current regulations may fall short to address the full extent of the pesticide problem. Overall, the findings highlight the relevance of better understanding the connectivity between fields and receiving waters and the underlying factors and physical structures in the landscape.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document